Located in the heart of Chengdu, Chengdu Zoo is a great spot to see giant pandas while avoiding the large crowds often found at the more famous Chengdu Panda Base. The zoo is easily accessible via the city’s Line 3 subway, with a direct ride from Chunxi Road to the Zoo station in just 20 minutes. Once you exit at Exit A, a 5-minute walk to the North Gate of the zoo will take you directly to the panda exhibit. This entrance is the closest to the Giant Panda House, where visitors can enjoy a closer look at these beloved animals.
Zoo Hours and Ticket Information
The zoo is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM during peak season (March to October) and from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM during the off-season (November to February).
The entrance fee is only 20 RMB, making it an affordable option for those who want to see pandas without the higher prices found at other attractions.
Pandas at Chengdu Zoo
While Chengdu Zoo doesn’t have as many pandas as the Panda Base, it does offer an intimate, quieter experience. The zoo is home to three giant pandas, each of which has an outdoor and indoor enclosure. The best time to visit is early in the morning, around 9:00 AM, when the zoo is less crowded and you’ll have almost exclusive access to the pandas. Here are the pandas you’ll find at Chengdu Zoo:
- Nan Nan: Born on August 6, 2013, Nan Nan is a female panda with a larger-than-life personality. Known for her love of food, she has gained a reputation as an avid eater, with some stories even suggesting that she once had to undergo surgery to remove several kilograms of food that she ate too much of. Visitors will often see her munching on bamboo, from the ground to the treetops, making her a true “foodie” panda.
- Yang Bang: Yang Bang, born on August 11, 2010, in Japan, is a male panda known for her impressive climbing skills. As part of the Bang family, she enjoys attempting to climb trees and practice her strength. Her agility makes for an exciting display, as she moves gracefully between the branches. Yang Bang’s family connection to other pandas, such as Jia Pan Pan, adds an interesting layer to her family tree.
- Jia Pan Pan: Jia Pan Pan was born on October 13, 2015, in Canada and is a male panda from the same family line as Yang Bang. His strong and handsome appearance makes him one of the zoo’s most popular pandas. Early visitors will often spot him taking leisurely strolls around his enclosure, charming everyone with his confident demeanor. He shares a complex family background with Yang Bang, adding to the intrigue of their relationships within the panda community.
A Relaxed Panda Viewing Experience
Compared to the Chengdu Panda Base, Chengdu Zoo is far less crowded, especially in the early mornings. There’s no need to wait in long lines, and visitors can get closer to the pandas, enjoying a more intimate viewing experience. Though the zoo doesn’t have the same extensive panda population, it offers a relaxed and enjoyable way to see these magnificent animals.